Drug delivery and anticancer activity of biosynthesised mesoporous Fe2 O3 nanoparticles.

Mesoporous magnetic nanoparticles of haematite were synthesised using plant extracts according to bioethics principles. The structural, physical and chemical properties of mesoporous Fe2 O3 nanoparticles synthesised with the green chemistry approach were evaluated by XRD, SEM, EDAX, BET, VSM and HRTEM analysis. Then, their toxicity against normal HUVECs and MCF7 cancer cells was evaluated by MTT assay for 48 h. These biogenic mesoporous magnetic nanoparticles have over 71% of doxorubicin loading efficiency, resulting in a 50% reduction of cancer cells at a 0.5 µg.ml-1 concentration. Therefore, it is suggested that mesoporous magnetic nanoparticles be used as a multifunctional agent in medicine (therapeutic-diagnostic). The produced mesoporous magnetic nanoparticles with its inherent structural properties such as polygonal structure (increasing surface area to particle volume) and porosity with large pore volume became a suitable substrate for loading the anti-cancer drug doxorubicin.

Leishmanicidal activities of biosynthesized BaCO3 (witherite) nanoparticles and their biocompatibility with macrophages.

The aim of this study was cost-effective and greener synthesis of barium carbonate (BaCO3 or witherite) nanoparticles with economic importance, and to evaluate their therapeutic potentials and biocompatibility with immune cells. Barium carbonate nanoparticles were biosynthesized using black elderberry extract in one step with non-toxic precursors and simple laboratory conditions; their morphologies and specific structures were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX). The therapeutic capabilities of these nanoparticles on the immune cells of murine macrophages J774 and promastigotes Leishmania tropica were evaluated. BaCO3 nanoparticles with IC50 = 46.6 µg/mL were more effective than negative control and glucantium (positive control) in reducing promastigotes (P < 0.01). Additionally, these nanoparticles with a high value of cytotoxicity concentration 50% (CC50) were less toxic to macrophage cells than glucantime; however, they were significantly different at high concentrations compared to the negative control.

Magnetic cobalt oxide nanosheets: green synthesis and in vitro cytotoxicity.

Cobalt oxide nanoparticles were prepared via green chemistry route and fully characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses; the CoO and Co3O4 nanoparticles, in sheet-shaped cobalt oxide form, ensued simultaneously in one step. The varying concentrations of NPs were analyzed via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test on the cancer cell line (U87) which revealed that with increasing concentration of cobalt oxide nanoparticles, the survival rate of U87 tumor cells decreases; IC50 of nanoparticles being ~ 55 µg/ml-1.

Spiritual care experiences by cancer patients, their family caregivers and healthcare team members in oncology practice settings: A qualitative study.

PURPOSE: Integrating spirituality into the patient care within a healthcare team, increases the ability to provide "holistic care" for cancer patients. The spiritual care experiences of different involved persons can be a guide for future planning. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the spiritual care experiences of hospitalized cancer patients, their family caregivers and healthcare team members in oncology settings. METHODS: This is a descriptive qualitative study which was conducted with 21 participants, who were selected by purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data. The data were analyzed with conventional content analysis method. RESULTS: Two themes of "systematic care" and "caring with paradoxical results" were extracted from the spiritual care experiences of our participants. CONCLUSIONS: Spiritual care as professional, comprehensive, collaborative and artistic care should be provided in a multidisciplinary healthcare team for cancer patients. Otherwise, patients may experience deprivation of spiritual services and consequently, spiritual distress.

Recommendations for spiritual care in cancer patients: a clinical practice guideline for oncology nurses in Iran.

BACKGROUND: In spite of the necessity of implementing spiritual care practices for cancer patients, there is no clear process in this regard in palliative care programs of the health system of countries. The present study was designed with the aim of developing a clinical practice guideline of spiritual care in cancer patients for oncology nurses in the current context. METHODS: This is a multi-method study which was conducted in five stages within the framework of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline. A research committee consisting of four focal and 16 secondary members was formed. The stages included determining the scope of the study, developing guideline (a qualitative study and a systematic review, triangulation of the data, and producing a preliminary draft), consultation stage (validation of the guideline in three rounds of the Delphi study), as well as revision and publication stages. RESULTS: The clinical guideline of spiritual care with 84 evidence-based recommendations was developed in three main areas, including the human resources, care settings, and the process of spiritual care. CONCLUSIONS: We are hoping by applying this clinical guideline in oncology settings to move towards an integrated spiritual care plan for cancer patients in the context of our health system. Healthcare organizations should support to form spiritual care teams under supervision of the oncology nurses with qualified healthcare providers and a trained clergy. Through holistic care, they can constantly examine the spiritual needs of cancer patients alongside their other needs by focusing on the phases of the nursing process.

Nickel-Doped Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis Using Stevia and Protective Effect against Harmful Ultraviolet Rays.

Nanoparticles of cerium oxide CeO2 are important nanomaterials with remarkable properties for use in both industrial and non-industrial fields. In a general way, doping of oxide nanometric with transition metals improves the properties of nanoparticles. In this study, nickel- doped cerium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized from Stevia rebaudiana extract. Both doped and non-doped nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray, Raman spectroscopy, and Vibrating-Sample Magnetometry analysis. According to X-ray diffraction, Raman and Energy Dispersive X-ray crystalline and single phase of CeO2 and Ni doped CeO2 nanoparticles exhibiting fluorite structure with F2g mode were synthesized. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy shows that CeO2 and Ni doped nanoparticles have spherical shape and sizes ranging of 8 to 10 nm. Ni doping of CeO2 results in an increasing of magnetic properties. The enhancement of ultraviolet protector character via Ni doping of CeO2 is also discussed.

Consequences of Spiritual Care for Cancer Patients and Oncology Nurses: a Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE: The nature of cancer increases the spiritual needs of patients and necessitates the provision of holistic care for them. By trying to meet the spiritual needs of patients, oncology nurses can help them adapt, gain inner peace, and develop positive thoughts and attitudes. This study aimed to explore the consequences of spiritual care for cancer patients and oncology nurses from the perspective of the patients, family members, nurses, and other health-care team members. METHODS: The present qualitative study was conducted using conventional content analysis in 2016-2017. The data were collected through semi-structured deep interviews of the 18 participants. RESULTS: The theme extracted from the data was "spiritual growth" and comprised the major categories of "nurse's spiritual development" and "patient's spiritual development." There were three subcategories in the nurse's spiritual development and 11 subcategories in the patient's spiritual development. CONCLUSIONS: Spiritual care places the cancer patient and the oncology nurse on the path to spiritual growth. The achievement of peace by the patient and the nurse was a common consequence of spiritual care. It helps the nurse promote comfort and a sense of peace in the patient and eventually to obtain inner satisfaction. Considering the transcendental effects of spiritual care, a systematic plan should be devised to enhance sensitivity in oncology nurses and encourage them to make spiritual care a component of interventional plans.

Factors affecting spiritual care practices of oncology nurses: a qualitative study.

PURPOSE: Spiritual care is a component of the holistic nursing approach. But in practice, nurses face many challenges during the implementation of spirituality care. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators affecting spiritual care practices by oncology nurses. METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted using a conventional content analysis based on semi-structured interviews with 25 participants, including cancer patients and their family members, oncology nurses, physicians, psychologist, and spiritual researcher-therapists. RESULTS: The results showed that the two main themes of the study, "spiritual competency" and "spiritual inefficiency" in healthcare organization, were two major factors in implementing spiritual care practices for cancer patients by oncology nurses. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study emphasize the necessity of developing coherent spiritual care programs in hospitals and removing administrative barriers. Teaching spiritual care in nursing courses at schools and continuing education programs for training of healthcare team members are necessary. Likewise, forming a spiritual care team with oncology nurses at the center and defining their members' roles and responsibilities are essential. Hospital managers can also make fruitful steps by establishing a monitoring system and identifying the needs and barriers for spiritual care in oncology settings.

Moral competency: meta-competence of nursing care.

INTRODUCTION: To follow the progress of technology and increasing domain of nurses' duties, ethical challenges can be observed more than ever. Therefore, the growing and dynamic system of nursing requires nurses with professional and ethical competence who can provide optimal care. The aim of the present study was to define and explain dimensions of moral competency among the clinical nurses of Iran. METHODS: This qualitative content analysis study was carried out in the years 2014 and 2015 in Iran. Data were collected through in-depth semistructured interviews and field notes. The resulting data were analyzed by Graneheim and Lundman's method of conventional content analysis. The participants were 12 clinical nurses who were selected using purposive convenient sampling and continued interviews until data saturation. RESULTS: Themes obtained in the present study were posited in three main categories of "moral character," with subcategories of altruism, search for meaning, be pioneering, perfectionism, self-control, honesty, and forgiveness; "moral care" with subcategories of dignified care, safe care, fair care, and holistic care; and "moral decision-making" with subcategories of moral sensitivity, moral thinking, moral reasoning, and moral courage. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of the present study suggest that nurses' moral competency is an adorable character with a wide range that includes moral virtues and character, moral decision-making, and ultimately providing moral care; therefore, moral competency is a meta-competence in the field of nursing. Because there are many competencies in different fields.

Facilitators and Threats to the Patient Dignity in Hospitalized Patients with Heart Diseases: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Patient's dignity is an important issue which is highlighted in nursing It is an issue that is highly dependent on context and culture. Heart disease is the most common disease in Iran and the world. Identification of facilitator and threatening patient dignity in heart patients is vital. This study aimed to explore facilitator and threatening patient dignity in hospitalized patients with heart disease. METHODS: This qualitative content analysis study was performed in 2014 in Kerman, Iran. 20 patients admitted to coronary care units and 5 personnel were selected using purposeful sampling in semi-structured and in depth interviews. Researchers also used documentation and field notes until data saturation. Qualitative data analysis was done constantly and simultaneously with data collection. RESULTS: Three central themes emerged: a) Care context which includes human environment and physical environment, b) Holistic safe care including meeting the needs of patients both in the hospital and after discharge, c) Creating a sense of security and an effective relationship between patient and nurse, including a respectful relationship and account the family in health team. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that care context is important for patient dignity as well as physical environment and safe holistic care.